Elastic Ring Accessory for Game Controller Deformation Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game controller attachments only allow for the same types of operations as the controllers themselves, limiting the possibility of novel user interactions.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a ring-shaped, elastically deformable portion that detects deformation and transmits data to the game controller, allowing novel operations through deformation, and includes features to minimize contact and detachment risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional attachments are used, then the structure is simple, but only the same types of operations as game controllers themselves can be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation methodsVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the apparatus by introducing an elastically deformable ring-shaped portion that can transition between deformed and restored states, enabling new operation methods (squeezing/deformation) beyond conventional button pressing while maintaining relatively simple structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus achieves multi-functionality by combining the deformation detection capability with game controller attachment, allowing the same apparatus to detect both deformation operations and transmit data to game controllers, thus enabling diverse operations without requiring multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the game controller is attached to the main portion, then electrical connection is achieved, but the possibility of contact with other objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidcontact with other objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the attachment portion in a spatial dimension that reduces harmful contacts by locating it on the inner side of the ring-shaped portion, away from external objects, while maintaining electrical connection reliability through the terminal interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ring-shaped portion is made elastically deformable, then novel operations are enabled, but the risk of detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation typesVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the apparatus into distinct functional portions: the elastically deformable ring-shaped portion for operation detection and the main portion with attachment portion for stable game controller connection, allowing deformation functionality while maintaining attachment stability through spatial separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables novel operations by detecting and transmitting deformation data, reducing the risk of contact and detachment, and facilitating easier attachment and orientation of game controllers.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the ring-shaped portion is elastically deformable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4427823B1Apparatus and apparatus set
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP4427823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4427823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4427823B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example of an apparatus includes a ring-shaped portion, a detector and a main portion. At least a part of the ring-shaped portion is elastically deformable. The detector detects deformation of the ring-shaped portion. The main portion is secured to the ring-shaped portion. The main portion includes an attachment portion, a terminal and a transmitter. A game controller can be attached to the attachment portion. The terminal is for electrical connection with the game controller. The transmitter transmits data regarding a detection result of the detector to the game controller through the terminal.